Vietnam Airlines Baggage Allowance

Vietnam Airlines uses the piece concept of baggage allowance on most domestic and international flights. According to Vietnam Airlines baggage policy, your free baggage allowance will depend on the number of luggage pieces you’re carrying—subject to weight and size restrictions.

Vietnam Airlines Baggage Policy — Key Points to Remember

• The free hand baggage allowance on Vietnam Airlines is as follows:
  • Economy Class 26lb/12kg combined, including 1 handbag + 1 accessory.
  • Premium Economy 40lb/18kg combined, including 2 handbags + 1 accessory.
  • Business Class 40lb/18kg combined, including 2 handbags + 1 accessory.
    • Max. weight (all classes) 22lb/10kg per piece 
    • Max. size (all classes)
      • Handbag 115cm/45in, i.e., 56 x 36 x 23cm (22 x 14 x 9in) 
      • Accessory 40 x 30 x 15cm (16 x 12 x 6in)
        
• The free checked baggage allowance will depend on your route and travel class:
  • Domestic Flights within Vietnam:
    • Economy Super Lite Nil
    • Economy Class 1 x 50lb/23kg 
    • Premium Economy Class 1 x 70lb/32kg
    • Business Class 1 x 70lb/32kg
  • Within Southeast Asia is:
    (Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand)
    • Economy Class 1 x 50lb/23kg 
    • Premium Economy Class 1 x 70lb/32kg
    • Business Class 1 x 70lb/32kg
  • Vietnam, Japan/Russia
    Japan to Asia/Australia
    To/from the Americas
    • Economy Class 2 x 50lb/23kg each
    • Premium Economy Class 2 x 50lb/23kg each
    • Business Class 2 x 70lb/32kg
  • Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Korea, Taiwan
    To/from Australia/Europe (except Russia)
    Other routes
    • Economy Class 1 x 50lb/23kg 
    • Premium Economy Class 2 x 50lb/23kg each
    • Business Class 2 x 70lb/32kg
      
• Lotusmile and Skyteam members are entitled to an additional baggage allowance, depending on their membership status.
• The maximum size of your checked bag must not exceed 158cm/62in in combined linear dimensions and the maximum weight must not exceed 70lb/32kg per bag. 
• Purchasing baggage in advance (up to 6 hours before departure) is cheaper than purchasing at the airport counter. 
• You can pre-purchase up to 10 additional bags (in 22lb/10kg or 50lb/23kg slabs) online while booking or later through Manage Booking, except on ATR aircraft (738 tickets), or at a sales office up to 6 hours before departure. You can also purchase baggage at the airport check-in counters but at higher rates.
• Overweight and oversized bags will incur cumulative excess baggage fees (overweight + oversized fees).
• Most sporting equipment is accepted as part of your free baggage allowance, but you must contact Vietnam Airlines or your agent at least 24 hours before departure. 
• The baggage allowance mentioned on your ticket will apply if it differs from that mentioned above. 

Vietnam Airlines Carry-on Baggage Allowance

The carry-on baggage allowance on Vietnam Airlines includes hand baggage item(s) plus 1 accessory. The key points to remember are as follows:

• The maximum weight of a single hand baggage item must not exceed 22lb/10kg. 
• The total weight of your carry-on baggage must not exceed:
  • Economy Class 26lb/12kg (1 hand baggage item + 1 accessory).
  • Premium Economy 40lb/18kg (2 hand baggage items + 1 accessory).
  • Business Class 40lb/18kg (2 hand baggage items + 1 accessory).
• The total dimensions (carry-on baggage size) must not exceed:
  • Hand baggage 115cm/45in, i.e., 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22in x 14in x 9in).
  • Accessory 40cm x 30cm x 15cm (16in x 12in x 6in).
• The following personal items are allowed free of charge in addition to your carry-on baggage:
  • A wrap/overcoat or blanket.
  • A walking stick (excl. those with sharp/pointed metal-filled ends) or umbrella.
  • Reading materials in reasonable amounts for reading on the flight.
  • Bassinet/infant basket (if travelling with an infant). 
  • Inflight food for infants.
  • Walking aids/prosthetic devices, crutches, and/or braces (if used).
  • Wheelchair (if using).

• Note: If your hand baggage exceeds your free allowance (in quantity, weight, or dimensions), it must be checked.
• On some routes operated by ATR 72 or A321 aircraft, hand baggage meeting the above requirements may need to be checked in at the gate (free of charge) due to limited overhead bin space. 

Vietnam Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance

Vietnam Airlines baggage allowance for international and domestic flights (on common routes) is provided below.

Vietnam Airlines international baggage allowance on other routes is as follows:

Additional Baggage Allowance—Lotusmile and Skyteam Members

In addition to their free baggage allowance, Lotusmile and Skyteam members are entitled to an extra baggage allowance (plus priority baggage benefits) as shown below:

Baggage Allowance for Infants

Lap infants (without seats) are entitled to the following free baggage allowance:

• 1 bag x 50lb/23kg (115cm/45in) + 1 fully collapsible stroller on flights to/from the America
• 1 bag x 22lb/10kg (115cm/45in) + 1 fully collapsible stroller on other routes.
  (excl. Economy Super Lite).
  

Vietnam Airlines Baggage Fees—Excess Baggage

If you’re carrying more than your baggage allowance, excess baggage fees will apply. You can either prepay for excess baggage (cheaper) or pay it physically at the airport (costlier).

• You can purchase prepaid baggage (VN flights only) online via VietnamAirlines.com or at a ticketing office up to 6 hours before your flight’s departure. Prepaid baggage:
  • Can be purchased for up to 10 bags per passenger. 
  • Cannot be purchased for flights to/from the Americas.
  • Is not available for flights operated by ATR 72 with 738 tickets.
  • Is subject to the standard weight and size conditions. 
• You can also pay for baggage at the airport check-in counter.
  • The baggage fees are higher at the airport.

Excess Baggage Fees for Domestic Flights

The baggage fees for excess baggage on domestic flights will depend on when your ticket was issued and whether you pre-pay it or pay at the airport, as shown in the tables below:

• With a departure date between (A) June 1 and August 1, 2022, or (B) between November 1, 2022, and February 1, 2023.
• With departure dates not mentioned above.

Excess Baggage Fees for International Flights

The excess baggage fees for international flights will depend on your route and how you pay—in advance (prepaid) or at the airport, as shown below. 

Excess Baggage Fees for International FlightsThe excess baggage fees for international flights will depend on your route and how you pay—in advance (prepaid) or at the airport, as shown below.

What are Vietnam Airlines baggage fees for overweight baggage?

Vietnam Airlines baggage fees for overweight baggage on domestic and international routes are as follows:

• Domestic Routes. The overweight baggage fee for domestic routes within Vietnam is VND 600,000. This applies only to bags weighing between 50 – 70lb, i.e., 23 – 32kg.  

• International Routes. The overweight baggage fees for international flights apply to bags weighing between 50 – 70lb, i.e., 23 – 32kg, as shown in the table below. 

Oversized Baggage Fees

Vietnam Airlines overweight baggage fees for domestic and international routes are as follows:

• Domestic Routes. The oversized baggage fees on domestic routes within Vietnam applies to checked bags measuring between 158 – 203cm, i.e., 62 – 80in, as shown below.

• International Routes. The oversized baggage fees on international routes apply to checked bags measuring between 158 – 203cm, i.e., 62 – 80in, as shown below.

Cabin Baggage (CBBG)

Vietnam Airlines offers an additional seat service for baggage on board the aircraft, known as CBBG. If you’re travelling with bulky, fragile, or valuable items like antiques, paintings, musical instruments, etc., you can book a seat(s) next to you to secure your belongings during the flight. 

• Reservation. To purchase an additional seat for your CBBG, call the VN branch office in your city at least one day (24 hours) before departure.
• Packaging. Make sure you pack your cabin baggage securely so that it does not damage the seats, aircraft walls, etc., or injure other passengers.
• Weight. Your cabin baggage must not exceed 165lb/75kg per seat and 0.046 kg/cm² in terms of seat pressure.
• Dimensions. The maximum dimensions per seat must not exceed:
  • On Boeing B777, B787, Airbus A321, A330, A350 aircraft: 40cm x 50cm x 160cm
  • On ATR72 aircraft: 40cm x 50cm x 95cm
• Airport. Reach early (at least 2 hours before departure) to ensure you complete all the required procedures before the check-in deadline. 
• In-flight. Your CBBG is entirely your responsibility at all times, incl. on the aircraft.
  

Bicycles and Bulky/Sizeable Baggage

Bicycles and bulky/sizeable items can be transported as checked baggage. Bulky baggage items include those with combined dimensions exceeding 203cm and/or weighing more than 70lb/32kg per piece.
Bicycles can include regular bikes, sport bikes, powered bikes (electric/thermos-battery), etc.

• Reservations. If you’re travelling with a bicycle or bulky items, call Vietnam Airlines branch office in your city at least 24 hours before departure. If you booked your ticket directly with Vietnam Airlines, you can register special baggage online.
• Packaging
  • Bulky baggage items must be neatly packed without any sharp/pointed protrusions.
  • Bicycles must be packed in boxes that meet the following requirements:
    • Handlebars must be positioned lengthwise along the bicycle’s length.
    • Bulky parts such as pedals, mirrors, lamps, and support poles must be disassembled.
    • The tires must be deflated.
• Airport. Reach the airport early (at least 2 hours before departure) to complete all the required procedures before the check-in deadline. 

Vietnam Airlines Sports Baggage Policy

Vietnam Airlines accepts most sporting equipment—such as bikes, surfboards, scuba diving equipment, snow/water ski sets, and other equipment as part of your free baggage allowance. If you’re travelling with sporting equipment, you must contact Vietnam Airlines or the ticketing office in your city at least 24 hours before departure. 

• If your sporting equipment exceeds your free baggage allowance, you will be charged the regular excess baggage fee and bulky baggage fee if the combined dimensions of your equipment exceed 203cm and/or it weighs more than 70lb/32kg.
• You’re allowed to carry the first golf set for free on all VN flights as long as it does not exceed 50lb/23kg. Additional golf sets will incur an excess baggage fee. 

You can carry the following (among others) sporting equipment as checked baggage:

• Golf Set. Includes 1 golf bag with up to 14 golf clubs, 12 golf balls, putting tees, and 1 pair of golf shoes, as long as the total weight does not exceed 50lb/23kg. Items not on this list will not be treated as parts of the golf set. 
• Skiing/Water Ski Set. Includes 1 pair of skis, 1 pair of ski poles, 1 pair of boots, 1 snowboard, 1 slalom water ski/1 pair of standard water skis. 
• Surfboard. Includes 1 wave surfing contraption (surfboard, body-guard, paddleboard, etc.). 
• Diving Equipment. Includes 1 diving suit, 1 pair of fins, 1 snorkel, and 1 diving mask. Tanks and pressure gauges are prohibited.

Note. For dimensions and fees, refer to the section (below) titled Special/Bulky Baggage Services and Charges.

Reservations and Packaging

• Reservations. You must contact Vietnam Airlines at least 24 hours before departure by calling customer service number or the VN office in your city. 

• Packaging. You must remove all sharp edges and pack your sporting equipment properly so that it does not damage the aircraft or injure passengers. 
• At the airport. Arrive early to complete all formalities before the check-in deadline. The airline recommends arriving at least 2 hours before departure. 

Strollers and Wheelchairs

Strollers and wheelchairs are accepted free of charge on Vietnam Airlines. These include foldable devices like prams, infant strollers, wheelchairs, and pushcarts.

• Reservation. You must make reservations at least 24 hours before departure by calling Vietnam Airlines office in your city. 
• At the airport. Arrive early to complete all procedures before the check-in deadline. Vietnam Airlines recommends arriving at least 2 hours before departure. 

Special/Bulky Baggage Services and Charges

If you’re carrying special or bulky baggage, depending on weight and size, certain charges will apply as shown in the table below. 

How to Purchase Extra Bags

You can purchase extra bags: 

1. Online at the time of booking or later (up to 6 hours before departure) via Manage Booking, except on ATR aircraft (738 tickets). 
2. By phone VN office in your city (up to 6 hours before departure). 
3. At a sales office in your city (up to 6 hours before departure).
4. At the airport 

Note. Purchasing extra baggage at the airport is more costly than purchasing in advance.

Restricted Items in Vietnam Airlines Baggage

Prohibited items include:

• Explosives
• Grenades
• Gunpowder
• Dynamite
• Flares
• Fireworks/Lookalikes
  

Infectious, Radioactive, Toxic Materials, Corrosives

You’re not allowed to carry the following items on the aircraft: 

• Chlorine
• Bleaches
• Mercury
• Oxidizers
• Hazardous material 
• Contagious items 
• Radioactive articles

Gases and Flammable Items

The following items are also not accepted: 

• Flammable Liquids (cajeput, gasoline, etc.)
• Beverages containing more than 70% alcohol 
• Matches/lighters

Other Dangerous Luggage Items

The following items are considered dangerous and not allowed on the aircraft: 

• Lithium Battery exceeding 160Wh or 8gm lithium 
• Dry Ice (exceeding 5.5lb/2.5kg
• Fire Extinguishers

Prohibited Hand Baggage Items 

The following items are not allowed in your hand baggage:

• Sharp Objects like knives, swords, box cutters, darts, scissors, items resembling weapons, etc. 
• Firearms (all types), including firearm parts, ammunition, imitation firearms, stun guns, toy guns, and items resembling them. 
• Dangerous Items such as shovels, crowbars, drills/screwdrivers, blades/shafts exceeding 6 cm, blow torches, wrenches, spanners, pliers exceeding 10cm in in length, bats (billiards, baseball), golf clubs, hockey sticks, batons, martial art items, self-defense sprays, etc. 

Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

The following items are not allowed in checked baggage:

• Jewelry
• Currency
• Laptop
• Camera
• Mobile phones 
• Lithium batteries for electronic equipment, incl. power banks

Restricted Goods 

If you plan to carry any of the restricted goods listed below, do read the information below:

• Lithium Batteries less than 100Wh/2gm
  Lithium batteries used in smartphones, laptops, cameras, watches, etc.:
  • Permitted in both hand baggage and checked baggage.
  • Spare batteries are only permitted in hand baggage if they are properly protected from short-circuits.
• Lithium Batteries between 100 – 160Wh/2 – 8gm
  Lithium batteries used in portable medical devices, video equipment, etc.:
  • Permitted in-device both in hand baggage and checked baggage if permitted by the operating airline. 
  • Spare batteries are permitted in hand baggage (up to 2 only) if approved by the airline, but will not be accepted in checked baggage. 
• Lithium Batteries exceeding 160Wh/8gm
  Lithium batteries used in electric bicycles, segways, hoverboards
  • Not permitted (in-device/spares) in hand baggage or checked baggage.

Note.  Both damaged and recalled (by manufacturer) lithium batteries are prohibited on all flights. Recalled by manufacturer lithium batteries include those used in:

• 5-inch Macbook Pro computers (manufactured between September 2015 and February 2017 with battery error)
• Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

Devices containing recalled lithium batteries that have been repaired or replaced by the manufacturer must remain switched off at all times and must not be charged on the aircraft if carried on board.

• Electronic Cigarettes
  • Electronic cigarettes, incl. personal vaporizers and e-cigars are permitted only in carry-on baggage. 
  • The use or recharging of e-cigarettes is prohibited. 
  • Batteries must be protected from short circuits by placing them in original retail packaging or taping the exposed terminals and placing them in separate plastic bags/pouches and carrying them in the aircraft cabin only. 
  • Lithium batteries in e-cigarettes are subject to the restrictions that apply to lithium batteries.

• Dry Ice
  • You’re allowed to carry up to 5.5lb/2.5kg of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) in carry-on or checked baggage, subject to approval from Vietnam Airlines. 

• Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs)
  • On international flights departing from or connecting in Vietnam, you’re allowed to bring liquids, aerosols, and gels—such as personal toiletries, perfumes, hair sprays, aerosols, etc.—in the aircraft cabin provided they are in up to 100ml containers each and are subsequently sealed in a plastic bag and closed fully. The following liquids are exempt:
    • Prescription medications clearly stating the name and address of the doctor who prescribed the medication and the passenger’s full name.
    • Baby milk/food if travelling with a baby. 
    • LAGs purchased on the aircraft or at an airport’s duty-free shop are exempt from the capacity limitation, provided that they are placed in a sealed transparent plastic bag.
  • If you’re travelling domestically within Vietnam, there’s no capacity limitation on liquid items, except for odorous liquids and salted fish.
  • You’re allowed to bring medical drugs (must be non-radioactive), medicinal/toiletry items (incl. aerosols) like perfumes, hair sprays, colognes and medicines with alcohol, and non-flammable/non-toxic aerosols in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, the net quantity per article must not exceed 0.5L/0.5kg and the total net quantity of all items must not exceed 2l/2kg per passenger. Plus, release valves on aerosol articles must have a cap/suitable contraption to prevent accidental leakage. 

• Odorous Items
  • Odorous items are not recommended in hand baggage, such as durian, fish sauce, etc.
  • Odorous items are accepted in checked baggage under the following conditions:
    • Odorous items must not exceed 5kg of durian fruit/other odorous items and 3L/3kg of fish sauce per passenger.
    • The odorous items policy does not apply to ATR72 flights.
    • Odorous liquids must not be carried in unsealed containers/glass bottles.
  • Odorous baggage items must be packed as follows:
    • Fish sauce/other odorous liquids must be packed in plastic bottles and covered with a lid, which must additionally be taped to the bottle. The total liquid in each plastic bottle must not be more than 95% of the bottle’s volume. Plastic bottles must be packed in a foam container, which must be packed firmly and sealed with tape to prevent breakage. 
    • Durian fruit and similar odorous articles must first be sealed in plastic and then packed in a bag to prevent the odor from spreading. 
  • If your itinerary includes another airline, check their regulations on odorous items.
    
• Ashes and Remains
  • Ashes are allowed in carry-on or checked baggage, subject to the presentation of a valid Quarantine Certificate. If carrying in checked baggage, they must be securely packed to withstand baggage handling and clashing, etc.
  • Remains are also subject to the presentation of a valid Quarantine Certificate. They must be securely packed and placed in a hard container to prevent damage, odor leakage, etc. 
  • Dead bodies are not allowed as checked baggage and must be carried in the cargo compartment per cargo handling rules.

Note. The transportation of ashes and remains is only permitted on VN-operated flights. If your itinerary includes another airline, contact the concerned airline in advance. Also ensure that you comply with the local government regulations in the departure, transit, and arrival cities.

Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

Portable electronic devices powered by lithium-ion/lithium metal batteries—such as medical devices like portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) and consumer electronic items like cameras, laptops, cellphones, etc. are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage, subject to the restrictions that apply to lithium batteries (see above).

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids

Wheelchairs and mobility aids that run on lithium batteries are allowed on board as checked baggage if they comply with the requirements of IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. 

• Wheelchairs and mobility aids with non-removable batteries
  Battery operated wheelchairs and mobility aids from which the batteries cannot be removed can be transported under the following conditions:
  • The battery/batteries must remain in the device and be securely attached to it. 
  • The battery terminals must be insulated and protected from short circuits.
  • The wheelchair or mobility device must be fully switched off.

Note. Wheelchairs and mobility devices with non-removable batteries are not subject to any battery power limitations (Wh).

• Wheelchair and mobility aids with removable batteries

Battery operated wheelchairs and mobility devices from which batteries can be removed can be transported under the following conditions: 

• The battery/batteries must be removed after which the wheelchair can be checked in without restrictions. 
• The battery terminals must be insulated to prevent short circuits. 
• The removed batteries must be placed individually in a protective pouch and carried in the aircraft as carry-on baggage.
• The power rating of a single battery must not be more than 300Wh, and for devices containing 2 batteries, the power rating per battery must not exceed 160Wh. 
• You’re allowed to bring only 1 spare battery of up to 300Wh, or 2 spare batteries of up to 160Wh each (in your carry-on baggage). 

Smart Baggage

Smart baggage items, i.e., baggage operated with lithium batteries (excl. lithium button cells) are subject to the following conditions:

• If the battery can be removed:
  • You must remove the lithium battery and carry it in the cabin if you’ll be checking in the smart baggage, or 
  • You can carry the smart baggage in the cabin, subject to the lithium battery restrictions mentioned under Portable Electronic Devices above.
• If the battery cannot be removed, the smart baggage is forbidden for carriage. 

Vietnam Airlines Musical Instruments Policy

What is Vietnam Airlines baggage policy for musical instruments?

Vietnam Airlines allows you to carry musical instruments in any of the following ways:

1. In carry-on baggage, as long it is within your free baggage allowance limits and you pack it securely to prevent damage to the aircraft and injury to other passengers. 
2. In checked baggage, provided it is within your free checked allowance and it is packed securely. If you’re carrying more than your free baggage allowance, you will be charged for it (for fees and dimensions, refer to the section titled Special/Bulky Baggage Services and Charges). 
3. As cabin baggage (CBBG), subject to the following conditions:
   1. The dimensions (incl. packaging) do not exceed:
      1. 40cm x 50cm x 160cm on B787, B777, A350, A330, and A321 aircraft. 
      2. 40cm x 50cm x 95cm on ATR72 aircraft.
   2. The maximum weight does not exceed 165lb/75kg per seat and the seat pressure does not exceed 0.046 kg/cm².
   3. It is securely packed to prevent damage or injury. 
   4. You book your additional seat at least 24 hours before departure.

---

Vietnam Airlines Lost & Fund, Delayed and Damaged Baggage

If your baggage is damaged, delayed, or does not arrive at the destination: 

1. Contact the Vietnam Airlines staff at the airport, and 
2. Submit a Baggage Claim Form 

After you submit your baggage claim form, you will receive a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with a reference number. You can use your PIR as the legal basis to make a reimbursement request or claim for expenses and/or compensation later on if required. 

If you’re making a reimbursement request for expenses and/or compensation, you must send it to Vietnam Airlines with the PIR no later than:

• For damaged/missing baggage. Ideally immediately but no later than 7 days from the date your baggage should have been delivered to you. 
• For delayed baggage. Ideally immediately but no later than 21 days from the date your baggage should have been delivered.

Baggage Tracing

You will be informed of the status of your baggage via Vietnam Airlines computerized baggage tracing system. If you’ve already filed a report, you can use your file reference number to trace your baggage online via the WORLDTRACER website https://wtrweb.worldtracer.aero

Baggage Delivery

You will be notified as soon as your baggage is reported and it will be delivered to the address specified by you, subject to local customs regulations. Alternatively, you collect your baggage from the airport in which case you be reimbursed for the cost of transport.

Note. If your baggage cannot be found, you will be issued compensation within 30 – 45 days after arrival per Vietnam Airlines carriage conditions. However, you can have the search extended to up to 100 days if you wish. If your itinerary includes sectors operated by codeshare flights operated by other airlines, you must contact the concerned airline directly.

Frequently Asked Questions on Air New Zealand Baggage Allowance